Realty Watch is one of them. Started in 1994, it now comprises over 12,000 Realtors who in an emergency, receive a Fan Out message sent to all our PDA’s, cell phones, pagers and email within 15 minutes of it being initiated.

Realty Watch is a community crime prevention program operating across the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, Canada, from Whistler to Hope and every community in between.

In emergency situations, REALTORS® respond to a police/RCMP-activated page, or fan-out, to search for missing or abducted people, suspicious vehicles, or people with medical conditions who may be in danger.

Realty Watch helps one of our own.

“When something this serious happens to one REALTOR®, it affects all of us,” says Jim McCaughan, President of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. “Because the Surrey RCMP has such a strong community focus, our members have been included throughout this investigation and in turn, have been able to provide assistance to the police. It’s been effective, open dialogue with results.”

In a Media Advisory today, the RCMP credited the REALTOR® involved in the October 2 incident with assisting investigators in tracking down the suspects so quickly. They also praised Lower Mainland REALTORS®’ crime prevention program: Realty Watch. The Fraser Valley Board sent a text description of the two suspects to its 3,000 plus members the day after the incident.

On October 5, two males were apprehended and now face a number of charges including Robbery and Unlawful Confinement. They bound, gagged and robbed the REALTOR® while she was showing them a home.

“As professionals, we tend to put our clients’ needs first and sometimes don’t stop to think about our own personal safety. When incidents like this occur it brings the risks we take to the forefront,” explains McCaughan. “I’m confident members of the public will understand why their REALTOR® may take precautions like asking first-time clients to meet in the office or bringing another colleague to a showing.”

About Larry Yatkowsky

Larry is a recognized real estate expert. A veteran professional, his experienced counsel leads Vancouverites in his west side community to place their trust
in a man passionate about his work. Uncompromising ethics bring a balanced approach to realizing your real estate dreams.